025 - Mister Stormalong (A2) - (WITH PRESENTATION)

A fine old shanty was "Stormalong". Same as in "Lowlands Away" it was originally used at the pumps and later as a capstan. There are Those who believe it was built around John Willis- the owner of "Cutty Sark". But true it is negro origin and of much older vintage than then "Cutty Sark" period.
In Stan Hugill's book are described 6 versions of this family. In this particular version are two patterns:
   - Praising the dead seamen,
   - Praising the benevolent son of the dead seamen.
The second pattern was usually added after the dirge-like regulation stanzas run out. It happens for reason is that work at pumps was a constant job especially od wooden ships, when every change course or trim the sails, the hull was liked literally "everywhere". I do separate these 2 patterns.
This is the second version, I will do a little "presentation" of work at the leaver "Jiggity-Jig" windlass.
"Shanties from the Seven Seas" by Stan Hugill (1st ed: p 74, 75).


Mister Stormalong (A2)

I wisht I wuz Ol Stormy's son,
   - To    me      way      you    Stormalong!
I'd build a ship o' a thousant ton
   - Ay!    Ay!    Ay!    Mister    Stormalong!

               *2*
I'd sail this wide world round an' round,
With plenty o' money I'd be found..

               *3*
We'd sail this ol' world round an' round,
An' get hot rum oh, I'll be bound.

               *4*
I,d load her up with Jamaicy rum,
An' all me shellbacks they'd have some.

               *5*
We'd git our drinks, lads, every man,
With a bleedin' big bottle for the shantyman.

               *6*
I'd load 'er up with grup an' gin,
An' stay in the port that we wuz in.

               *7*
I'd feed ye well, an' raise yer pay,
An' stand ye drinks three times a day.

               *8*
An' whin we git to Liverpool Town,
We'll dance them judies round an' round.

               *9*
Oh, Stormalong an' around we'll go,
Oh, Stormalong through ice an' snow.

               *10*
When Stormy died he made a will,
To give us sailors gin to swill.